July 9, 2008

CHICAGO, July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) recently gave $960,000 in grants to 83 501(c)3 organizations in Illinois. In line with its mission, "to promote the health and wellness of our members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care," BCBSIL's giving focused mostly on community-based organizations that provide hands-on health services to the uninsured. BCBSIL also funded programs that provide human services and education to underserved communities in the state, as well as arts organizations. This was the first of two grant cycles that BCBSIL holds annually.

In addition, BCBSIL donated $90,000 in credits toward IBM Certified Used Equipment to 28 local nonprofits in collaboration with IBM. The non-profits used this "credit" to obtain needed laptops, desktops and monitors.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is proud to support health and other much-needed services for those who may not have access otherwise," said Clarita Santos, director of Community Health Initiatives at BCBSIL. "We have targeted many public health organizations that are making a real difference in communities, and we also are supporting programs that promote child health and wellness."

For more information about BCBSIL's charitable giving programs, contact Jennifer Tani at (312) 653-7159 or e-mail her at [email protected] Visit http://www.bcbsil.com/about_us/involvement.htm to apply online for a grant. Applications for the second grant cycle are due September 30, 2008.

With more than 7 million members, BCBSIL (http://www.bcbsil.com/) is the largest health insurance company in Illinois. Started in 1936, BCBSIL is committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and its communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSIL is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC). HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.